Transfer Talk: City join United in chase for De Jong

The transfer window for all of Europe’s big five leagues is closed, but that doesn’t stop Transfer Talk from rummaging around about who will be moving where come January.

City join battle for De Jong

Manchester City are the latest club to enter the race to sign Ajax wonderkid Frenkie De Jong.

As potentially a dream centre-back in a Pep Guardiola system, De Jong has now been linked with the Premier League champions, though they will face competition from Manchester United.

Also adept at starring in midfield, the Mirror reports City were rebuffed by the Dutch giants in the summer after tabling a £50 million offer.

Barcelona have also been strongly linked with the 21-year-old, who has emerged as one of the most exciting talents in Europe.

Ajax are determined to keep him for at least another year though, but City now look set to test that resolve in January.

Another of Ajax’s precocious talents is David Neres, with Tottenham, Roma Borussia Dortmund linked with the 21-year-old, who has admitted there is concrete interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

“I’m going to focus on the interest of other clubs only when my agent will say that Ajax are ready to negotiate,” the Brazilian said, according to Calciomercato.

“I’ve read about the interest of Borussia Dortmund but, as I said, I am not focused on it. I am only thinking about Ajax at the moment. I am flattered by the interest of such a big club, I’m honored that they want to invest a lot of money to sign me, that means I’ve taken the right path.”

The former Sao Paulo star has already contributed four assists and a goal this season and looks set to continue developing quickly in Amsterdam.

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Sane wanted by Juventus

Manchester City flyer Leroy Sane is wanted by Juventus as they bid to surround Cristiano Ronaldo with a more youthful core.

After a testing year for both club and country, Sane has emerged as a target for the Old Lady, according to Calciomercato.

The report claims City value the German at more than €150m though, meaning Juve will likely have to treat Sane as a long-term target.

As much as Sane has tended to frustrate Guardiola, his potential is likely to shine through eventually at the Etihad.

Arsenal rejected chance to sign Van Dijk

Arsenal turned down the opportunity to sign Virgil van Dijk during his time with Celtic.

After joining Southampton, Liverpool then made the Netherlands international the most expensive centre-back of all time for £75m.

The Gunners had their doubts about whether Van Dijk could cut it at the top level though, with former Celtic assistant manager John Hollins revealing the Dutchman was deemed “too nonchalant.”